Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols we use. Roman numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here we will be discussing Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman numerals for numerical representation. Earlier civilizations counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc.
As societies evolved, a standardized system was needed. The ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols used.
In Roman numerals, we use MCMLXXXVI to represent 1986. Here, M is 1000, CM is 900, LXXX is 80, and VI is 6. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. In this section, let’s discuss some rules that need to be remembered when writing a number in Roman numerals.
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6.
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, CM → M - C → 1000 - 100 = 900.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we won't write VV for 10; instead, we use X.
Let’s now learn how to write 1986 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
In the expansion method, based on place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 1986 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 1986 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: 1000 + 900 + 80 + 6.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together: Therefore, 1986 in Roman numerals is M + CM + LXXX + VI = MCMLXXXVI.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 1986 in Roman numerals, we group 1986 as 1000 + 900 + 80 + 6.
So, 1986 is written as MCMLXXXVI in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn from common mistakes and how to avoid them.
A historian found a diary entry dated with the Roman numeral MCMLXXXVI. What is the year of the diary entry in Hindu-Arabic numerals?
The year of the diary entry is 1986.
MCMLXXXVI is the Roman numeral representation of the number 1986.
M = 1000, CM = 900, LXXX = 80, and VI = 6.
Adding them together gives 1000 + 900 + 80 + 6 = 1986.
An ancient artifact was inscribed with the numerals MCM and LXXXVI. If someone combines these two parts, what is the complete numeral and its value in Hindu-Arabic numerals?
The complete numeral is MCMLXXXVI, and its value is 1986.
MCM = 1900 and LXXXVI = 86. When combined, they form MCMLXXXVI.
The value of MCMLXXXVI is 1986 in Hindu-Arabic numerals.
A museum exhibit is labeled with the year MDCCCCLXXXVI. Is this a correct representation of the year 1986 in Roman numerals?
The correct representation of the year 1986 in Roman numerals is MCMLXXXVI, not MDCCCCLXXXVI.
MDCCCCLXXXVI is an incorrect way to write 1986 in Roman numerals.
The correct form is MCMLXXXVI, where M = 1000, CM = 900, LXXX = 80, and VI = 6, totaling 1986.
MDCCCCLXXXVI is an incorrect and redundant form.
Suppose a puzzle requires you to find the difference between the years MCMXC and MCMLXXXVI. What is the difference in Hindu-Arabic numerals, and what does it represent?
The difference between the years is 4, which represents the four years between 1990 and 1986.
MCMXC represents the year 1990 and MCMLXXXVI represents the year 1986.
The difference is 1990 - 1986 = 4.
This represents the four-year gap between those two years.
A collector has a coin stamped with the year MCMXCVI and another with the year MCMLXXXVI. What is the sum of these years in Hindu-Arabic numerals?
The sum of the years MCMXCVI and MCMLXXXVI is 3982.
MCMXCVI is 1996 and MCMLXXXVI is 1986.
The sum of these years is 1996 + 1986 = 3982.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.